10 Proven Habits High-Achievers Always Follow Before 8 AM to Boost Productivity and Success
Starting the day on the right track can seriously alter everything that happens through the rest of it.
Most top performers give much credit to well-designed morning routines to ensure daily activities align with long-term goals.
Science too supports this aspect, which proves hours in the morning is an ideal time to peak in productivity, mental acuity, and work performance. Here are ten habits followed by high achievers before 8 a.m. to unleash their full potential.
1. Wake Up Early and Consistently
Highest performers wake mainly in the morning hours between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m. Irrespective of the time, it is more the habit that a person should practice every day.
This is to mean rising at about the same time every day, even on weekends; thus, the body is conditioned to operate within its circadian rhythm, as well as enhancing the quality of sleep and, therefore, good health.
Research has shown that early risers enjoy other benefits as well, such as improving their mental health, and as one study shows the earlier risers reduce their chances of depression by 23%. Consistent early rising also sets the stage for a structured productive day.
2. Drink Water Right Away
Your body is dehydrated after spending an overnight stay in bed. So, it needs water as soon as you wake up in the morning. High performers begin their day with a glass of water to jump-start their metabolism, brain functions, and healthy skin.
Take the celebrity example of Cameron Diaz, who drinks a litter of water right when she wakes up. That might be a bit much for most of us, but being hydrated immediately can be an easy method of readying both your body and mind to take on the new day.
3. Get Moving
Most successful people exercise regularly. Whether it is a full workout, a light stretch, or a session in yoga, movement in the morning makes one feel energetic and alert, focused, and quite euphoric during the day. Oprah Winfrey works out for an hour every morning.
But even a brief period of physical activity can help clear up mentally for enhanced productivity. Exercise into some form of activity, be it for just a few minutes, will keep you fit and feeling good both physically and mentally for life.
4. Practice mindfulness or meditate
Many of the leading performers also enhance their productivity and concentration through mindfulness and meditation.
For example, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, starts his day with an hour’s meditation. The benefits from mindfulness range from greater focus to emotional regulation and resilience.
Even guided meditation for a few minutes a day on apps or otherwise can benefit in the long run. Starting the day makes it easier to take on challenges with a more tranquil, centered mind.
5. Plan and Prioritize the Day
Planners and achievers typically plan out how they want to utilize their day, thus most of the time hoping that it gives way for them to set priorities and clear goals. It can be through making a to-do list, evaluating long term goals, and blocking important tasks.
Your brain becomes most alert in the morning, specifically around 8 a.m. when cortisol levels peak. This is the best time to make effective decisions on how you will spend your time and energy. You will not only be aware, but you will also keep your focus on what really matters through planning out your day.
6. Reflect on the Big Picture
Most successful people find time each morning to reflect on what they want to achieve and who they are to a larger vision or set of values.
As noted by the famous Steve Jobs, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do?” This practice keeps everyday actions in line with long-term aspirations, so even the most mundane tasks of the day serve a greater purpose.
Self-reflection clarifies what you need to do and how it can work to inspire you to meaningful accomplishment.
7. Fuel Your Brain
A healthy breakfast keeps you going all day long: energy and brain power. For high performers, protein and healthy-fat-dense foods can provide the best, longer-lasting fuel for body and mind. According to the study, a good breakfast can improve memory and concentration.
Eggs, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or green smoothies are popular options. Avoid sugary dishes at breakfast to avoid energy crashes during the day.
8.Some Sun
Exposure to sunlight in the morning can maintain the circadian rhythm of the body, which is its controlling mechanism for sleep and wakefulness.
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman suggests spending around 2-10 minutes under direct sunlight within an hour after waking.
This means better sleep at night and greater alertness throughout the day, or simply put, the body clock ticking in harmony.
And if this is not possible, then a lightbox can serve as an alternative for keeping the internal clock ticking with efficiency.
9. Learn Something New
It often occurs that super achievers save their morning hours for learning. Warren Buffett reads widely to an extent of sometimes reading 500 pages in a day.
That can be a considerable length of time to spare for most people, but reading or even just doing an online course for a few minutes sharpens your thinking.
The best time to learn is in the morning because that is when the brain is the most receptive to learning something new. Continuous learning is sure to bring about both personal and professional development.
10. Be Thankful
Many high achievers start the day with gratitude practice. Whether it is journaling or quiet reflection, scientific research has shown that recognizing things you are thankful for can have a positive impact on your mental health, make you more resilient, and give you an optimistic attitude toward life.
Research continues to bear out benefits related to improved sleep, enhanced emotional well-being, and stronger coping skills in stressful situations. Simple expressions of gratitude can set a much more optimistic and productive path for the day.
These ten habits, practiced daily, prepare the high achievers for success through maximizing their productivity, well-being, and personal growth.
Even if just a few of these strategies are employed, you can transform your mornings and achieve your long-term goals.
